A perfect weekend getaway from the hubbub in Tokyo.
Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fast life in Tokyo and visit the beautiful onsen town of Hakone for the weekend.
Hakone is a popular weekend getaway for most Japanese, especially locals in Tokyo. It takes just an hour to reach Hakone from Tokyo by train.
This beautiful onsen town has some great instagrammable views of Mount Fuji and allows one to unwind after a long week.
Soak in the foggy volcanic valley as you travel up through the mountains in cable ropeways here.
Using a Hakone Free Pass
A free pass is kind of a transport pass that helps you visit the key sights in Hakone. You can purchase a 2-day or a 3-day pass which includes all the transportation that helps you reach all the main attractions along with specific vendor discounts.
How to Reach Hakone from Tokyo?
You have quite a few travel options to reach Hakone from Tokyo. You can use the Hakone Free Pass to ride from Shinjuku to Odawara Station. Then transfer to the Hakone Yuzan train from Odawara and alight at Hakone Yumoto Station.
You could even take the Romance Car or the direct train. You need to do a top-up on the Hakone Free Pass to be able to travel the Romance Car. Just get on the train from Shinjuku and it will directly take you to Hakone Yumoto station.
The Amazing Hakone Itinerary for a Day
1. The Grand Torii Gate
Sitting at the edge of Lake Ashinoko, it is major attraction of Hakone.
To reach the Torii gate you need to take the Hakone Tozan bus to Moto-Hakone Boat Pier and then climb down a flight of stairs to reach the iconic gate.
2. Cedar Avenue
The 500 m path of old Hakone is lined with cedar trees. It takes you back to a time when Edo period travelers walked on foot to travel in between Tokyo and Kyoto.
3. Checkpoint Museum
The Hakone Checkpoint has been reconstructed exactly as it was during the Edo period. The main purpose of the checkpoint at Hakone was to prevent the wives of the lords from escaping into Tokyo and to prevent any weapons from being smuggled into Koyto.
4. Owakudani
Owakudani has a dreamy atmosphere and a hiking path leading to Mount Kamiyama. Just dip eggs into the hot springs here to cook. The eggs do turn black due to the sulfur and are said to increase 7 years of your life after consumption!
5. Odawara Castle
Do visit the 15th-century castle, especially, if you are visiting in late March to April to catch on the beautiful cherry blossoms in its vicinity.
6. Satiate Your Taste Buds
Before you leave Hakone, you must try the Michelin Guide Chirashi for dinner. It won’t burn a hole in your pocket as this restaurant serves Chirashi Don bowls at an affordable price.
7. Hakone Open-Air Museum
This is one museum you should not miss as its not just an outdoor museum with a few indoor exhibits. It is surrounded by the beautiful forested mountains of Hakone and filled with sculptures from both Japanese and international artists.
8. Onsens
Onsens are hot springs and many guesthouses and ryokans in Hakone have onsens. You can enjoy a hot spring bath at a hot spring resort that is believed to cure many chronic illnesses as well as helps in reducing stress.
9. Ropeway to Owakudani
You can take the cable car from Gora Station to Sounzan and then the ropeway to Owakudani.
10. Old Hakone Highway/ Old Tokaido Road
This path is laid with original stones and leads to Hakone Yumoto. You don’t need to walk to Yumoto but enjoy an hour or so of till Amazake teahouse on these uneven stones.
11. Amazake Teahouse
The historic Amazake Teahouse is the last remaining rest stops on the Tokaido Road. Rest for a while in this cozy rest stop and then take a bus to Moto-Hakone or Hakone-Yumoto.
You can stay the night at Hakone or travel back to Tokyo. Hakone is a wonderful place with beautiful views of Mount Fuji. You will find yourself in a new world when exploring Hakone.